Siaya Governor James Orengo has vowed that the Linda Mwananchi “meet the people” tour will proceed as planned, declaring that the political rally scheduled for Sunday, August 16, in Homa Bay County will not be stopped.
Speaking to journalists at his residence in Milimani, Kisumu, on Wednesday, August 12, Orengo, who is leading the Linda Mwananchi initiative, alleged that plans were underway to disrupt the rally through violence.
The governor claimed that weapons, including pangas and rungus, had been distributed during a meeting allegedly held at the governor’s park in Homa Bay.
Orengo further alleged that an assortment of weapons had been assembled and stored at Genowa Centre, which he described as a tallying centre associated with Governor Gladys Wanga during the 2022 General Election.
He also claimed that another meeting was held on Wednesday at the residence of Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma, where, according to him, youths were allegedly mobilised to disrupt Sunday’s event.
“On Sunday, the 16th of this month, we will be in Homa Bay and nothing is going to change. Some of the arsenal is being kept at Genowa Centre, Homa Bay governor’s tallying centre,” Orengo alleged.
The governor said he had information that market women in Homa Bay had been instructed to move their businesses to Kabunde Airstrip, which he claimed was an attempt to prevent the rally from using the facility.
He, however, insisted that the directive would not derail the planned gathering.
Orengo accused his opponents of plotting to have Linda Mwananchi supporters arrested ahead of the rally and urged Homa Bay residents to remain firm in defending the Constitution and the rule of law.
He further alleged that he had personally been targeted by a legislator who, he claimed, had previously called for his elimination.
“I have been targeted and one member of Parliament said I should be eliminated and is wondering why I am still existing. We are willing to pay the price for the freedom of our country,” he said.
The governor also warned that attempts to turn Homa Bay into a scene of political violence could have serious consequences, urging leaders to reject actions that could plunge the country into conflict.
Meanwhile, Linda Mwananchi coordinator Brian Weke echoed Orengo’s position, saying the group would travel to Homa Bay regardless of the alleged plans to disrupt the rally.
Weke urged police to uphold their constitutional responsibility of protecting life and property, while calling on youths allegedly being mobilised against the rally to reconsider their actions.
“Whatever the party leader has said about what they are planning, we will proceed to Homa Bay. The work of the police is to protect the life and property of the people,” Weke said.
He appealed to Homa Bay residents to turn up for the rally, saying the Linda Mwananchi movement was built around the legacy of the late opposition leader Raila Odinga and the broader spirit of the Kenya Kwanza-Azimio broad-based arrangement.
Weke also cautioned youths allegedly recruited to disrupt the event against being used to cause violence.
“The goons who are prepared, you are our children. Desist. We are also ready the way you are ready,” he said.
The allegations made by Orengo and Weke could not independently be verified at the time of publication. The individuals and offices accused of planning violence were not immediately given an opportunity to respond.
